The Invention Of The First American History - 1157 Words

When you think of â€Å"the First American†, who do you think of? Do you think of a pilgrim or a Native American? Do you think of Benjamin Franklin? Probably not, but he has been graciously granted with this very title. Franklin is a large part of American history. A renowned polymath, he held many occupations including; an author, printer, politician, scientist, inventor, civic activist and more! All throughout history there have been a plethora of inspirational, hardworking, intelligent, life-changing personages, one of them being Benjamin Franklin. He changed not only the world, but America and its history with his discoveries, knowledge, and beneficial insights. One of the most well known scientific discoveries Ben Franklin can be credited†¦show more content†¦Franklin proved that lighting was electricity and his discovery led to our world, starting with America, being more scientifically informed. One of the most courageous acts of mankind in this world is fire f ighting. Not many people may know this, but Benjamin Franklin was the founding father of firefighting. â€Å"In 1736, Franklin proposed volunteer fire companies that would gather men quickly to extinguish a blaze.† (Gausted 35) After a huge Philadelphia fire, Franklin founded Philadelphia’s first fire company – the Union Fire Company, the very first fire department. Franklin stated â€Å"I sought to explain what caused them and how one could prevent such fires in the future† (McCormick 151) Franklin was very interested in learning more about the situation and was concerned about the health and safety of everyone affected. Without his idea it would have been long before actual fire companies were started. Before there were fireplaces, there were fire places, where people would simply huddle together around a fire in their homes for warmth. Then came Benjamin Franklin and invented the metal lined fireplace. â€Å"Franklin had a spurred interest in improvin g heating systems. At first people didn’t have chimneys, they simply made a fire and sat around it. It did people little good to huddle by a fire, he argued, if currents of cold air then buffeted them. Many colds are caught that way. Franklin lectured it would be safer to sit in the open street.†